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Counseling FAQs

What services does the Counseling Center provide?

If it is a concern to you, then we are here to talk about it. Student issues that are commonly addressed include anxiety, depression, alcohol and/or drug use, relationship issues, family issues and stress management. We also provide crisis intervention services, skill development for issues relating to academic concerns, and referrals to community resources. The Counseling Center does NOT provide medication management.

Is there a charge for counseling?

Counseling services are free for any currently enrolled Crowder College student.

Occasionally individuals can walk in and see a counselor on the spot. However, to ensure an uninterrupted, private meeting with a counselor, our staff asks individuals to come by or call in advance to schedule an appointment.

I’m not sure if counseling is for me…but I need help.

If you feel uncertain about whether counseling is for you, we hope you will make an appointment for an introductory meeting and discuss your reservations with a counselor. There is no obligation to continue if you do start. During the initial meeting, you and the counselor will discuss what you are hoping for, in terms of treatment and what the counselor thinks is needed. Often concerns can be addressed in short-term counseling; however, the length of your particular counseling will depend on many factors. You will always have the option to discontinue services, even if the counselor recommends more sessions. And, if you decide you would like more sessions than the center can offer, we will help you to find a resource in the community.

What does it mean that counseling services are “confidential”?

The Counseling Center adheres to the American College Association (ACA) Professional Code of Ethics. Counseling files are not a part of the college records, and others cannot access them without a student’s written permission.

We provide our individual personal counseling services in a private setting. Students can be assured that information they share with their counselor in this setting remains confidential. Information about our students and their issues is released only in specific mandated circumstances. Examples may include: if a student threatens harm to self or others; in cases of child or elder abuse/neglect; if you are involved in a court case, your records may be subpoenaed; or if a student gives the counselor written permission to disclose information outside the confines of the counseling office.

Counselors will explain the ethical limits of confidentiality during your first session.

My instructor referred me for counseling through Crowder Cares. Will the counselor talk to my instructor after I complete my counseling session?

Without written permission from a student, counselors may not disclose any information about a student to anyone outside of the counseling department. This includes disclosing information to concerned instructors, Crowder administrators or loved ones. Occasionally, when an instructor refers a student to the counseling center, the student can give permission to confirm with the instructor/Crowder Cares team that the student did come in for a counseling session. Again, we only disclose this information with the student’s expressed written consent to do so.

If you believe someone may be in imminent danger, please call Crowder’s Safety and Security at 417.455.5744 or 417.456.0206. If the student is not in imminent danger, but showing signs of distress please complete a Crowder Cares Student in Distress report on Crowder’s website (http://www.crowder.edu/services/crowdercares/). These reports are reviewed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and should not be used to report emergencies.